YMAC

May24 2012

Changes to WA Aboriginal Heritage Act Anthony Dann Radio Interview May 2012

Posted: May 24th, 2012

In an interview on ABC Mid West radio, Wajarri Yamatji Traditional Owner, Anthony Dann, responded to the State Government’s 2012 discussion paper on proposed changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (AHA).

In the interview, Mr Dann strongly outlined his concerns about the short timeframe for comment on such significant changes to the protection of Aboriginal heritage, and the lack of consultation with Traditional Owners over the proposed reforms.

Mr Dann said that Aboriginal people are rapidly losing their input into heritage development under the AHA, as Traditional Owners aren’t offered the same appeal opportunities as land developers.

After announcing a 12 month review into Aboriginal cultural heritage processes last May, the Government has held no formal consultation with Traditional Owners and only allowed five weeks for comment on the proposed changes to the AHA outlined in the discussion paper.

Mr Dann also said a significant review of the AHA was needed because it does not provide adequate protection for Aboriginal Heritage, and that Native Title negotiation processes are at present the only means for Traditional Owners to take part in consultations over protected Aboriginal sites.

For more information about the proposed reforms to the AHA, including links to the discussion paper and YMAC’s media release, please click here.

May24 2012

Changes to WA Aboriginal Heritage Act Anthony Dann Rad…iew May 2012.m4a

Posted: May 24th, 2012

May21 2012

Casual Positions for Indigenous Journalists at Yamaji News

Posted: May 21st, 2012

Filed under: Geraldton, job vacancy, Yamaji News

Yamaji News is looking for casual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander columnists and reporters to join their team.

Yamaji News is Western Australia’s only Indigenous newspaper, and is dedicated to publishing local stories relevant to WA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. It encourages positive news, programs and events that promote the achievements of Indigenous people and their organisations.

The newpaper is also seeking expressions of interest for articles and photographs, and advertisment bookings for the June 2012 NAIDOC special edition, which are due by 8 June 2012.

Those interested in writing for the Yamaji News should send an example of their work and a current resume to Paul Ihanimo at paul@yamaji.com.au or call him on 0429 888 022.

For more information on the position, please click here.

May18 2012

Black Impact: Indigenous Australia documentary competition

Posted: May 18th, 2012

Filed under: ABC, Black Impact, Indigenous Documentary, Screen Australia

Screen Australia and ABC television are calling on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers to submit one hour documentary proposals for ‘Black Impact’, a special initiative which aims to give voice to distinctive Indigenous Australian stories.

Documentary ideas should be bold, creative and deliver fresh insights into contemporary Black Australian life. The four most most original ideas will be developed, with two chosen for possible television production.

Each application must have Indigenous Australians in key creative roles.

The deadline for applications is 5:00pm Friday, 25 May 2012.

For guidelines and eligibilty, visit the Screen Australia website or contact the Indigenous Department of Screen Australia by phoning (02) 8113 5974, or by email indigenous@screenaustralia.gov.au

May11 2012

New Community Program for Indigenous Women in Geraldton

Posted: May 11th, 2012

Filed under: Counselling, Domestic Violence, Geraldton, Indigenous Health, Indigenous Women

A new program supporting Indigenous women who have experienced domestic violence will begin next week in Geraldton.

The program, run by Centacare Family Services, aims to strengthen family relationships and help create positive change in lives through services such as counselling and spiritual healing.

The sessions will take place in a group therapy setting and discussions will remain strictly confidential. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss topics with professionals who specialise in areas such as domestic violence, grief or loss, general health, substance abuse and stress management.

There are five sessions in all, with the first beginning Tuesday 15 May at the Spalding Family Centre on Mitchell Street, Geraldton from 9am-12pm.

To register and organise an initial one-on-one chat with the facilitator, call the Geraldton Family Relationship Centre on 9921 2611.

For more information please visit the Centacare Geraldton website or the Geraldton Family Relationship Centre website.

May4 2012

YMAC attends launch of ‘Kurlumarniny- We come from the desert’

Posted: May 4th, 2012

Filed under: Monty Hale, Nyangumarta, Pilbara, Pilbara strike, Warralong

At the book launch in Warralong yesterday

Yesterday YMAC representatives attended the launch of Monty Hale’s bilingual book ‘Kurlumarniny – We come from the desert’ at the Warralong community.

Monty Hale is one of the quiet achievers of Indigenous Australia , and one of its greatest intellectuals. A senior Nguliparti man from the Pilbara region, his book tells of his family’s migration from the desert to the station country in the eastern Pilbara, his childhood growing up on Mt Edgar Station, witnessing Australia’s engagement in World War two and the famous Pilbara station-workers strike of 1946. The remarkable bilingual publication, written in Nyangumarta and English, tells Monty’s experiences though his vast cultural knowledge and his strong desire to leave a record of his life.

The book will soon be available to purchase from Wangka Maya Language Centre and is a remarkable record of Aboriginal life in the Pilbara.

Visit http://www.wangkamaya.org.au/ for more Indigenous publications from the Pilbara.

May1 2012

YMAC speaks out on proposed reforms

Posted: May 1st, 2012

Filed under: Aboriginal Heritage Act, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Simon Hawkins

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs has today released a discussion paper on proposed changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

There has been no formal consultation on the proposed changes so far, including with Aboriginal people. Now there are just five weeks for the general public to comment on the proposals.

It is YMAC’s view that the proposals focus too much on the approval process for industry and not enough on improving processes for the effective conservation and protection of Aboriginal heritage sites.

Simon Hawkins, YMAC CEO said today, “Aboriginal people are not just another set of stakeholders. This is their heritage and they deserve an opportunity to provide meaningful input into the reform process. I am sceptical about the current process and of course the short timeframe will not allow for those negatively affected to have their say.”

“For Traditional Owners, the current Act is more a licence to destroy heritage than a mechanism to protect it. These proposals will only reinforce this view.”

Click here to download YMAC’s full media release.

Click here for the Department of Indigenous Affairs Discussion Paper

Apr30 2012

Rail industry career opportunities through Pilbara Indigenous Association

Posted: April 30th, 2012

Filed under: Bloodwood Tree Association, Indigenous Employment and Training, job vacancy, Laing O'Rourke, Pilbara

Indigenous people will soon have a greater opportunity to work in the rail construction industry through a new joint initiative between the Bloodwood Tree Association and international construction company Laing O’Rourke.

Under the proposed program, which is expected to commence later this month, Bloodwood Tree clients will undertake an initial four-week training program with the Association, before starting a six-week Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure with Laing O’Rourke.

Those involved in the course will learn basic skills to prepare them for employment, and everyone who graduates from the program will then be offered employment opportunities through the company.

The initiative will promote local rather than ‘fly-in, fly-out’ recruitment for companies such as BHP and FMG who work in the Pilbara, and encourage community development.

The Bloodwood Tree Association is a not-for-profit Aboriginal corporation based in South Hedland that seeks to help the Indigenous community in a variety of ways, including employment programs, services for homeless people and substance abuse programs.

For further information on the Bloodwood Tree Association workshops and training programs, please visit their website: http://www.bloodwoodtree.org.au/

Additionally, more information about Laing O’Rourke can be found on their website: http://www.laingorourke.com.au/home

Apr26 2012

2012 NAIDOC Perth Awards

Posted: April 26th, 2012

Filed under: NAIDOC Perth Awards, NAIDOC Week 2012, Perth

The 2012 NAIDOC Perth Awards are seeking nominations for exceptional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals or organisations that have made a significant contribution to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of Perth. Nominations can be submitted in any of the following categories:

1. Outstanding Achievement
2. Elder of the Year (Male)
3. Elder of the Year (Female)
4. Sportsperson of the year
5. Tertiary Scholar of the Year
6. Youth of the Year (Male)
7. Youth of the Year (Female)
8. Aboriginal Health Professional of the Year
9. Artist of the Year
10. Business of the Year
11. Non-for-profit Organisation of the Year
12. Carer of the Year
13. Community Person of the Year

Nominations close Sunday 20 May 2012.

The winners will be announced on Thursday 21 June 2012 at a special NAIDOC Perth Awards Ceremony at the Governor’s Ball Room and will be promoted throughout 1-7 July for NAIDOC Week 2012.

For guidelines and nomination forms, please click here.

For for more information about the NAIDOC Perth Awards, contact Gail Beck on 08 9358 7403 (during work hours) or 0411 093 870 (after hours).

For information on previous winners, visit the NAIDOC Perth Awards website.

2012